Foliar Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Mitigate Drought -Induced Oxidation Stress in Wheat
Amna Bibi
Department of Plant Breeding and Gentics, PMAS Arid Agricultural University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Saniya Jamal
Department of Molecular Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Pakistan.
Maria Sajjad
Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.
Irfan Pervaiz
Khaludunia College of Pharmacy, KITAAS, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Khalil
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Shahid Iqbal
Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
Ayisha Hafeez
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Baluchistan University, Information Technology and Management Sciences, Pakistan.
Abeera Shaeer
Department of Chemistry, Lahore College for Women University, Pakistan.
Iqra Shaheen
Department of Botany, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Sanaullah *
Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Global agricultural production is seriously threatened by water scarcity and drought-induced oxidative stress, especially for crops that are sensitive to water, like wheat.
Materials and Methods: The goal of this study is to determine whether applying zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) that have been green-synthesized topically can help wheat suffer less from oxidative stress brought on by drought. The study focuses on wheat's physiological and biochemical characteristics under varied water conditions, including as growth, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and oxidative damage.
Results: In the investigation, ZnO-NPs were employed at four distinct concentrations. The results emphasis the potential of ZnO-NP foliar sprays for enhancing wheat's resistance to drought stress by showing their beneficial impacts on wheat growth, chlorophyll content, increased shoot, root weight and antioxidant enzyme activities.
Conclusion: This creative strategy conserves resources in areas with limited water supplies while increasing agricultural yield in an eco-friendly manner.
Keywords: Zinc oxide, nanoparticles, foliar spray, drought stress, wheat crop